— The Assassin’s Oath

The bonfire crackled quietly, creating flickering shadows on the tent walls.

Kaelen sat across from Lyra Virelle, the newly recruited assassin who had attempted to assassinate him only days before. She was now a reluctant guest in the shadows, tethered only by curiosity and a sliver of faith.

Outside, the Shadow Court was cautious of her presence. Eira, in particular, has raised concerns.

"She's a blade trained to kill kings," Eira muttered. "Let her stay too close, and she might finish the job."

Kaelen recognized their anxiety. He also understood people like Lyra. He had once sworn allegiance to a system he believed to be just.

Now? He was the system.

A Trial of Shadows

"I want to see your resolve," Kaelen stated, pouring two cups of shadow-brewed tea. "Not through words." "Through blood."

Lyra raised a silvery brow. "You want me to fight someone?"

Kaelen nodded.

Instead of an opponent, he pointed to a dark stone pedestal in the center of the camp, which was carved with runes that shimmered like smoke.

[Quest activated: Trial of the Shadow Assassin]

Step inside the pedestal. Face your inner selves. Survive or vanish.

Reward: Shadow Court Mark and Assassin Class Upgrade.

"I've seen enough blades," Kaelen explained. "Now I need to see your soul."

Inside the Shadow Trial

Lyra stepped into the pedestal, and the air altered. The ground beneath her disappeared.

She fell into a black void, weightless and breathless, surrounded by memories.

The Holy Temple came before her, its white spires gleaming like judgment itself. Her mentor's voice resonated:

"The Shadow King represents corruption. You will destroy him, or you are unworthy of the Light."

Then another vision: Kaelen kneeling over her, blade dropped, giving mercy where she would have struck.

The two worlds collided. Light and shadow battled inside her.

A voice, neither Kaelen's nor hers, rumbled through the void:

"You're torn between truths. "Choose one or be eaten.

She screamed in frustration, followed by stillness.

The Choice

Lyra emerged with sweaty hair and ragged breath.

But something had changed.

A new insignia, half sun and half shadow, was etched into her collarbone.

[Trial Completed: Assassin's Oath Taken]

Upgrade to Celestial Shade Assassin and gain the following abilities:

- Shadow Blink (Short-range Teleport)

- Judgement Veil (become invisible to the holy senses).

- Dual Oath (Chance to convert opponents to light when dealt a lethal blow)

Kaelen caught her gaze.

"No going back now," he remarked gently.

Lyra nodded. "I don't want to."

A Warning from the West

Before the festivities could begin, a raven formed of pure shadow swooped into the tent and perched on Kaelen's shoulder.

Raze, the Warden of the Abyss, whispered the following word into his ear:

"Three holy inquisitors approach from the Western Mountains. Elite class. Their purpose remains unknown. But they have relics powerful enough to blind our scouts."

Kaelen clutched his fist.

They were increasing.

"We're out of time," he grumbled.

Preparing the Assassin's First Mission

Later that night, the Shadow Court congregated around a burning black sigil. Kaelen stood in the center.

He turned to Lyra.

"I need someone who understands how the Holy Kingdom thinks. You'll accompany Eira and scout their movements, determining what relics they carry and why.

Lyra blinked. "You trust me already?"

"I trust what the System shows me," Kaelen said. "And it demonstrates that you've changed. If you haven't, this assignment will end your life.

Eira gave Lyra a frigid nod. "You die; I go away. "If you live, I might start believing in you."

Lyra smirked. "That's fair."

The Assassin's Departure

As the two disappeared into the shadows for their task, Kaelen looked westward.

A storm was forming.

But so was his strength.

[Shadow King Progress: 54 percent]

Twilight Binder is a new title that grants allies temporary access to both Shadow and Light powers.

Kaelen sighed.

The conflict between light and shade would eventually escalate into something larger.

A conflict between truth and belief.

And he would stand in the center.